Spaniard Mikel Arteta used to be a creative playmaker during his Everton days, but he has been utilised more as a defensive midfielder by Arsenal since his £ 10 million move from Merseyside a few years ago.
Arsene Wenger has been using the 31-year-old as a defensive midfielder due to the lack of options, but it has become a position of his own in recent months. Arteta has now said that he has no worries about being played in a different position than he is used to playing in his career. Instead, he enjoys playing in a defensive position for Arsenal and he is happy to help the team out.
Alex Song used to be the defensive midfielder for Arsenal, but his surprise move to Barcelona meant that Arsenal were left without an option in this position at the start of the season. Arteta filled in this role, which later became his own position. It is unlikely to change in the new season as well.
Despite playing in a defensive role, Arteta contributed immensely to the team in goals as well. After making 43 appearances in all competitions, the Spaniard scored six goals in an otherwise poor season for Arsenal in which the once again failed to win any trophies.
“I feel very happy because I think I have found a level of consistency throughout the whole year. I was the man to play in a different role, I had to adapt and I did the best that I could. I have sacrificed myself a lot for the team and worked as hard as I could and tried to help my teammates. People may not understand why I don’t go forward more but this is my job, it wouldn’t be good for the team,” said the 31-year-old, who is a £ 10 million signing from Arsenal.
Spaniard Mikel Arteta used to be a creative playmaker during his Everton days, but he has been utilised more as a defensive midfielder by Arsenal since his £ 10 million move from Merseyside a few years ago.
Arsene Wenger has been using the 31-year-old as a defensive midfielder due to the lack of options, but it has become a position of his own in recent months. Arteta has now said that he has no worries about being played in a different position than he is used to playing in his career. Instead, he enjoys playing in a defensive position for Arsenal and he is happy to help the team out.
Alex Song used to be the defensive midfielder for Arsenal, but his surprise move to Barcelona meant that Arsenal were left without an option in this position at the start of the season. Arteta filled in this role, which later became his own position. It is unlikely to change in the new season as well.
Despite playing in a defensive role, Arteta contributed immensely to the team in goals as well. After making 43 appearances in all competitions, the Spaniard scored six goals in an otherwise poor season for Arsenal in which the once again failed to win any trophies.
“I feel very happy because I think I have found a level of consistency throughout the whole year. I was the man to play in a different role, I had to adapt and I did the best that I could. I have sacrificed myself a lot for the team and worked as hard as I could and tried to help my teammates. People may not understand why I don’t go forward more but this is my job, it wouldn’t be good for the team,” said the 31-year-old, who is a £ 10 million signing from Arsenal.